Eurovision 2026: Spotlight on Montenegro's Tamara Živković
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on May 12, 2026, in Vienna. Representing Montenegro is Tamara Živković, who will perform her entry titled "Nova Zora" in the first semi-final. Fans may recognize her from Montenegro's 2024 national selection, where she placed ninth with the song "Poguban let."
Bookmakers currently rank Živković in tenth place—the last qualifying spot for the final—a significant indicator of her potential performance. Notably, Montenegro has only advanced to the Eurovision final twice, with its most recent appearance in 2015.
Tamara Živković on Her Art and Vision
In her interview with Glavkom, Tamara Živković shared her perspective on representing a small nation:
“Being a small country like Montenegro has both advantages and disadvantages. Opportunities may be more limited, but it also pushes you to be more resourceful and create something authentic. You become stronger because you have to.”
She emphasized that "Nova Zora" is about strength and female empowerment: “This song is about strength, about female empowerment—but not the kind you necessarily have to show outwardly. It’s about the strength you build within yourself, which makes you stronger and more confident.”
Živković explained that the track symbolizes a fresh start: “It’s about that moment when everything ends and you decide to stand up again. At the same time, a new dawn means a new beginning.” She also expressed admiration for Ukrainian artists: “You always present strong, authentic compositions with clear individuality and emotional stories, and I deeply respect that.”
The singer addressed Ukrainian audiences, underscoring music’s unifying power: “I send you love and strength, and I hope you feel that through every performance on this stage, including mine. And if not yet, your new dawn is about to come—I believe in you, so you should believe too.”
Tamara Živković aims to showcase her artistry and Montenegro’s cultural heritage on the international stage. The contest promises to be vibrant and emotional, featuring artists from diverse countries all seeking to convey their messages through music.
Her participation highlights Montenegro’s push to return to the Eurovision final after a long absence. With "Nova Zora" focusing on female strength and empowerment, the song taps into contemporary social themes that could resonate with listeners. Success for Živković could mark a pivotal step in reviving interest in Montenegro’s music scene and boosting its global visibility.
As the excitement for Eurovision 2026 builds, it's worth noting that other artists, like Polish singer Alicja, are also making their return to the competition after significant breaks. This trend highlights the evolving dynamics of the contest and showcases how various performers are preparing to make their mark on the international stage.